Ralph Siraco’s selections for Friday’s races at Santa Anita

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003 | 9:01 a.m.

Ralph Siraco's horse racing column appears Monday and his Southern California selections run Tuesday-Sunday.

Friday's card

1st Race -- LIMELIGHTER -- Draws good spot for mile opener, Nakatani on Lukas trainee for owners Bob & Beverly Lewis, filly sitting on graduation. BELLA NUNZI -- Training at Hollypark, Solis scales Bray trainee, needs crafty trip from outside draw in six-filly field, Bella diploma or Nunzi? Value Play -- FUDGE FATALE

2nd Race -- LILAC QUEEN -- German-bred training at Hollypark, P. Val on the best of two Frankel-trained entries here for owner Tanaka, fits this turf route. LA VITA BELLA -- Irish-bred also hails from Frankel Hollypark stable, Valdivia here for owner Gann, Frankel quinella not out of question or reach. Value Play -- MONTEREY BAY

3rd Race -- BULL HEADED HARRY -- P. Val on Hofmans trainee, training well for sprint maiden/claimer, pick in tough sophomore heat. CARTHAGE -- Nakatani takes Ellis trainee for owner Hughes, now draws good outside box, should improve in this for big chance at diploma. Value Play -- HOT

4th Race -- FRESH TARTE -- Hustling Espinoza atop Baffert trainee, draws good box for sprint claimer, connections not used to low-level claiming ranks. PEARL HUNT -- Draws good outside post, Vergara aboard co-owner Mayberry trainee, should get catbird trip from this spot. Value Play -- PERFECT WOMAN

5th Race -- JAKLIN'S LAST KIN -- Draws good inner post for mile claimer, Pincay aboard Spawr trainee, tough jockey-trainer team in these spots. SABRE TOOTH TIGER -- Rollins atop Lewis trainee, fits this Cal-bred level well, must overcome outer post here. Value Play -- I GOTCHA COVERED

6th Race -- LAPIDUS -- Draws good outer post for sprint maiden/claimer, P. Val astride Mel Stute trainee, sans blinkers for this outing. MR. ROADWAY -- Vergara aboard 'brother' Warren Stute trainee, needs crafty ride from inner draw, Roadway for Mr. may lead through winners circle. Value Play -- MASTER PERFECT

7th Race -- LISTEN INDY -- Promising runner begins sophomore career here, Solis scales Mandella trainee, draws good rail post for mile feature. ATSWHATIMTALKNBOUT -- Monster debut sprint maiden win in last, Flores returns on Ellis trainee for owner Hughes, could be 'talkin-about' him again. Value Play -- MR JOE B

8th Race -- RAISE EXPECTATIONS -- Draws good outer post for 7-panel finale, Desormeaux on Lewis trainee for owner Harris Farms, Expectations graduation. MILLENNIUM MOMENT -- Also draws well for Cal-bred maiden/claimer, P. Val on Jory trainee, could be the Moment for diploma in this Millennium? Value Play -- SIR TIFICATE